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Bonnie Prince Charlie

Mitchell Library, Glasgow Collection

Copy of a painting depicting Prince Charles Edward Stewart leading his men along Saltmarket in December 1745.

"Bonnie Prince Charlie" had arrived in the city September 1745 at the head of his victorious Jacobite army, on their way to invade England and to restore a Stuart king to the British throne. He returned in December, leading his army on the long retreat from Derby that was to culminate in disaster at the Battle of Culloden. Glasgow was predominantly Hanoverian in its sympathies, and the Prince and his followers were given a cold welcome. They responded by demanding vast quantities of clothing and other goods from the city, to clothe and re-equip the Jacobite army.

The Young Pretender held balls at Shawfield House during his short stay in the city, and some of the city's Jacobites were happy or were obliged to attend. He was introduced to a local merchant's daughter, Clementina Walkinshaw, and she became his mistress. Clementina later travelled to Rome to be with the Young Pretender, and bore him a daughter.

Reference: GC 941.435 OLD

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning